Ball Hurling Target Game and Associated Apparatus.

ABSTRACT

A game for at least 2 players wherein one of the players attempts to score points by hurling a plastic ball with the aid of a scoop racket into one of three scoring areas of their opponents “goal”. Opposing players stand at opposite ends of a playing field with said goal(s) positioned in front of each player. Goals are situated a certain distance apart from each other, the three scoring areas are mounted at adjustable heights above the playing surface and can be positioned in a common plane (or not). Said scoring areas are of various diameters and point values. Said scoring areas are distinctly apart from each other (not abutted) and are attached to a fixed post (standard). Points are awarded to players for hurling the ball into one of their opponent&#39;s scoring areas with point values inversely proportional to the diameter of the scoring area scored upon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61859023, filed on Jul. 26, 2013, theentire contents of which are herby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of play for agame which is played by hurling a ball using the aid of a racket at eachof two “goals” in turn by each of two players on opposite teams or fourplayers which are divided into two two-player teams.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,026,110 (Hess et al); No. 3,596,909 (Russ); No.3,895,801 (Baird), No. 5,382,028 (Sciandra et el), No. 4,168,066 (Soleet al), No. 257,779 (Sippola), No. 4,635,943 (Lumpkin), No. 410,498(Decker), No. 5,944,318 (Payton) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,944 (Johnston).Each of these patents employs a projectile being propelled at a targetin an attempt to score point. However, there is no disclosure or showingfor a ball being hurled at a target using a racket.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,066 issued (September 1979) to Sole et al,discloses a projectile that is propelled in an attempt to score in oneof numerous (three or four) hoops respectively, mounted in a commonplane. U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,066 is also similar in that it uses 3 targetsof different sizes and point values. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,066 isdifferent from the applicant's invention in that only a single goal isused that is positioned midway between opposing players and said goal isdesigned to allow a disc to glide through the openings. The applicant'sinvention employs the use of 2 goals that are positioned in front ofeach opponent. Each goals also employs three targets that are arrangedin a specific pattern, however, each target is distinctly separated fromeach other and fitted with a netting material designed to catch on holdthe projectile being thrown.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,028 issued (January 1995) to Sciandra et al (KANJAM) is similar in that there is a “goal” which is positioned in frontof each opposing player and multiple ways of scoring points, however,this patent employs a different shaped goal and a disc shaped projectilethrown with a players hand rather than a round plastic projectile whichis hurled at the goal with the use of a racket/scoop.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,318, issued (August 1999) to Payton, discloses asquare target game apparatus that includes a net to retain the thrownprojectile similar to the applicant game. However, the target is meantto be used by an individual player and is designed for a disk shapedprojectile.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,858, issued (Dec. 28, 2004) to Reineke, disclosesa low cost single target that employs a ring shaped target fitted with anet that is readily assembled and disassembled. However, the targetrelates to flying disc targets that are particularly suited to playing“Frisbee golf”

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,310, issued (March 2006) to Rowan, discloses amultidimensional interchangeable ball game apparatus, which can be usedfor throwing, kicking or hitting with any type of ball sport. Thisapparatus employs multiple targets of multiple sizes and can be usedwith open or closed nets. However, this invention discloses a singlegoal apparatus which is used for practice purposes to enhance the skillsof a single player and is not used in game play situations. Theapplicant's invention uses multiple targets of various sizes but is usedin conjunction with game play putting 2 opponents against one another.

The art abounds in targets designed to catch flying objects that arethrown or propelled at targets. Targets that have a net held open by aframe wherein the flying object is propelled or thrown into the net isused for a diversity of purposes. Well know games such as basketball,and hockey, employ such goals as targets. Most of these targets aredesigned to improve the skills of a single player and cannot be used ingame play with 2 opposing players.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,551, issued (December 2010) to Barber, disclosesa mobile practice target to be used with thrown projectiles to enhancethrowing skills, in particular, the sport of football. However, it doesnot disclose the use of a ball being hurled with the aid of a racket.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,122, issued (March 1995) to Kreamer, discloses asingle target having a conical net and supported by an upright standardconnected to a receiver driven into the ground.

In U.S. patent application 10/906,675 (March 2005) issued to Remaklus(sports training apparatus and method of using the same) discloses asingle net/ring shaped target to be used by an individual as atraining/practice tool for sports such as volleyball and basketball.

In U.S. Pat. No. (5,692,979) (multipurpose game device) issued on(December 1997), to Jones discloses a series of webbed hoops located atthe tops of numerous standards.

In U.S. Pat. No. (6,659,466), issued on (December 2003) to Searles etal, discloses a throwing game and goal. However, this goal and game wasintended to be used with a flying disc or Frisbee.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,186, issued (June 1987), to Walker, discloses theuse of a stick to propel a spherical wooden ball (with holes in it)through a horizontal basket (hoop).

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,596, issued on (August 2006) to David disclosesan open target hoop attached to a horizontal member which is positionedabove the ground in which a player attempts to throw a projectile (i.e.football) though the target loop to a person on the other side.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,785 , issued in 2007 to Waite discloses a singletarget which contains scoring areas with different point values andcollecting pockets to be used when a person uses an underhand toss. Thegame was intended to be played with bean bags.

While each of the aforementioned patents disclosed games which involveprojectiles being thrown through the air at a target or scoring area,none are believed to use a racket or scoop to hurl a round projectileinto a uniquely designed scoring target.

None of the above inventions and patents taken either singly or incombination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

The inventor's intent is a target catching assembly intended for theopposing player to be in the field of play from behind the target,whereas the target itself creates game excitement to the players bychallenging them to score in the targets (while on offense) and at othertimes reacting to and catching deflected and missed targeted balls(while on “defense”).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This game is played primarily outdoors in backyards, beaches, drivewaysor parking lots but can be played indoors in areas where there is plentyof room, (for example, school gymnasiums). This game is designed 2players which stand on opposite ends of the field, or 4 players, withteammates standing on the same end of the field but opposite theiropponents (or one teammate on each side depending on game variation).When playing with 4 people teammates alternate shots on the opposingteams.

The game uses two “goals” (each equipped with a base (to allow the goalto be set up on any surface) and three scoring areas (targets)), 2rackets and a plastic ball. The “goals” are placed at opposite ends of aplaying field. Opposing players stand behind each of the goals andplayers are not allowed to go in front of the goal whether attempting toscore on their opponents “goal” or defending balls from going into their“goal”.

The start of play is determined by a simple coin toss, or any otherstarting procedure determined by the players. The winner of the cointoss has the opportunity to shoot the ball first. Whichever team doesnot shoot first will have the opportunity to get the last shot (“lastlicks”) in an attempt to tie or win the game.

Player 1 hurls the ball using the racket and attempts to score from anyarea in the playing field as long as the throw is from behind his owngoal. The opposing player(s) are required to stand behind their own goalapparatus and are not allowed to interfere (i.e. play defense) with thepath of the plastic ball as it approaches the goal. A player is allowedto go in front of their own goal only to retrieve a ball that has landedshort. Once a thrown ball has passed the goal apparatus, the opposingplayer attempts to catch the ball while it is in the air. Playerscontinue to hurl the plastic ball back and forth while attempting toscore points by hurling the ball through one of the three targets untilenough points have been scored and there is a winner. First player (orteam) to score 11 points wins the game. However, if one of the playersor teams has achieved a score of 11 and the other team has not had theirlast turn yet (last licks), then the other team takes their last turn todetermine their final score. If they fail to tie or win the game, thegame is over. If tied, the game continues in a similar way until awinner is determined.

Additional rules, point scoring and field dimension variations can beapplied depending on the skill level of the players. For advancedplayers, points may also be awarded to the offensive player if theopposing player drops a catchable ball. Similarly, points may also beawarded to any player who catches a thrown ball that has deflected offany part of the goal, or subtracted from the score of the player who hasthrown the ball.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to have a ballhurling game with two goals comprised of 3 scoring areas (targets) and abase, which may be used to play the game on grass in a yard or in apark.

It is another object of the invention to have a ball hurling game withtwo goals comprised of 3 scoring areas (targets) and a base, which maybe used to play the game on sand at the beach.

It is another object of the invention to have a ball hurling game withtwo goals comprised of 3 scoring areas (targets) and a base, which maybe used to play the game on cement/asphalt in a parking lot or driveway,or on wood in an indoor area such as a gymnasium.

It is a further object of the invention to provide the ball hurling gamewith a spherical ball to be hurled at the goals which have three targetsto score points according to which target is scored upon.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a ball hurling gamewhich is played by two players or four players (or more) that aredivided into two even teams.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a field game being played usingthe preferred apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the goalapparatus showing assembled parts (front view).

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the goalapparatus showing assembled parts (front view).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the goalapparatus showing assembled parts (side view).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the racket andball (prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,026)).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theball (prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,026)).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, generally shown in FIG. 1 is a ball hurling game26 which is played with a ball, a racket for each player, and two goals(each comprised of three nets or scoring areas) which are positioned onfront of each player at opposite sides of a field. The game 26 is playedby 2 players UA and UB. However, the game 26 may also be played by fourplayers in two teams of two players (not shown) This game can be playedoutdoors or indoors wherever there is a lot of room, e.g., in agymnasium. Goals 19 may be made of any suitable material such as plasticor aluminum while rackets 21 and the ball 22 are preferably made from aplastic material. The opposing player (s) 4A and 4B are required undermost circumstances and variations to stand behind their own goalapparatus 19 and are not allowed to interfere with the path of theplastic ball 22 while it is in front of their goal 19. (A player (orplayers) is only allowed to go in front of their own goal to retrieve aball 22 that has been thrown short or attempting to catch a ball whichhas deflected of the goal apparatus 19). Once a thrown ball 22 haspassed the goal apparatus 19, the opposing player then must catch theball while it is in the air.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 (front view) and 3 (exploded view) in thepresent invention which represents the preferred embodiment of the goal19. The targets or scoring areas are positioned a certain height abovethe ground by a 48″ standard 1. This standard 1 is composed of plastic,aluminum or other similar material. The standard 1 may be insertedvertically into a plastic base 24.which may be filled with sand or waterwhich will allow goal 19 to stand upright on any surface (e.g. sand,grass, concrete etc). In its preferred arrangement, the top of thestandard 1 is inserted into a 4-way “cross” fitting 2. The 4-way “cross”fitting 2 contains three 90 degree angles and one 45 degree angle. Thecross is inserted into the standard 1 so that there is a 90 angle to theleft side; a 45 degree angled opening pointing upwards to the right, andan opening directly above the standard 1. Inserted into the left openingof the 4-way “cross” fitting is a 15″ pipe extension 4. The extension iscomposed of plastic, aluminum or other similar material and acts like anarm and extends outward in a horizontal direction from the standard.Inserted into this extension is a small 20 cm diameter target 10. Thetarget has a 0.5″ diameter frame 11 composed of either aluminum orplastic and is designed to maintain the rigidity of the goal. In itsbasic form and arrangement, attached to the frame is 1″ see-throughnylon mesh 12, which is used to “catch” the thrown ball. On one side ofthe 4-way “cross” fitting and inserted into the 45 degree opening is a15″ length of pipe 3. The pipe is composed of plastic, aluminum or othersimilar material and extends outward from the standard 1 and points in agenerally 45 degree upwards direction. Attached at the end of this “arm”is a small 20 cm diameter target 10 similar to the one mentioned above.This target has a 0.5″ diameter frame 11 composed of either aluminum orplastic and is designed to maintain the rigidity of the goal. Attachedto the frame is 1″ see-through nylon mesh 12, which is used to “catch”the thrown ball. The 2 small 20 cm diameter targets 10 extend outwardfrom the main standard 1 and are located in a similar plane.

On the top opening of the 4-way “cross” is inserted a 15″ length of pipe25. The extension is composed of plastic, aluminum or other similarmaterial and acts like an arm and extends upwards in a verticaldirection from the standard. Into the open end of this pipe 25 isinserted a large 45 cm diameter target 13. This goal has a similar frame11 and see-through nylon mesh netting 12 as the two smaller nets.

Referring to FIG. 4, the larger goal 13 is positioned higher than theother two goals 10 and is positioned in a common plane with the twosmaller goals 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows the preferred embodiment of the racket21 and of the ball 22. The preferred thermoplastic racket is the same orsimilar design and construction as the racket described in prior artU.S. Pat. No. 4,045,026. The racket is specifically designed with tracksto generate friction with the ball so that when the ball is thrown itwill have “spin” and allow it to curve on one direction or the other.The preferred thermoplastic blown ball is the same or similar design andconstruction as the ball used in prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,026. Theball is specifically designed to curve in a certain direction based onthe spin put on the ball by the players throwing motion. The ball can bemade to “curve” left or right or rise or drop based on the playersthrowing motion.

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows an enlarged view of the preferredembodiment of the ball 22.

We claim:
 1. A projectile throw and target game for 2 (or more) players,comprising: A first goal consisting of 3 hoops which serve as targets.Said goal, wherein the one large hoop target is attached to a supportpost in a vertical position and is located highest above the ground. Twosmaller hoop targets are attached part way up the support post onopposing sides and in vertical positions. One of the smaller hooptargets will be attached to a short arm extending out from the supportpole at a 90 degree angle. The other small hoop target will be attachedto a short arm and extend out from the support pole at a 45 degree anglein an upward direction. A second goal consisting of 3 hoops that serveas targets. Said goal, wherein the one large hoop target is attached toa support post in a vertical position and is located highest above theground. Two smaller hoop targets are attached part way up the supportpost on opposing sides and in vertical positions. One of the smallerhoop targets will attached to a short arm extending out from the supportpole at a 90 degree angle. The other small hoop target will be attachedto a short arm and extend out from the support pole at a 45 degree anglein an upward direction. A round plastic projectile (ball) having apredetermined mass and a circumference of a predetermined diameter. Theprojectile is specifically designed to allow the ball to spin whichenables the players to curve the ball and change the ball's trajectorytowards the goal, and A first rackets (or scoop) specifically designedwith two “tracks” which are used to generate friction with the ball tocreate “spin”. Based on the rotation of the ball or “spin” the playerputs on the ball, the ball may be thrown with a variety of curves tomake the game more fun and challenging. A second racket (or scoop)specifically designed with two “tracks” which are used to generatefriction with the ball to create “spin”. Based on the rotation of theball or “spin” the player puts on the ball, the ball may be thrown witha variety of curves to make the game more fun and challenging. Whereinthe first goal and second goal may be elevated to an adjustable heightabove the ground dependent on the height of the players; said first goaland said second goal being spaced a predetermined distance apart andlocated above and supported on the supporting surface, so saidprojectile (ball) may enter the large hoop target, or one of the smallerhoop targets on said goal, when said projectile (ball) is hurled by oneplayer, using said racket, towards the opposing players goal.
 2. Aprojectile throw and target game according to claim 1, wherein the saidrackets are made of a plastic like material.
 3. A projectile throw andtarget game according to claim 1, wherein the ball is made of a plasticlike material.
 4. A projectile throw and target game according to claim1, wherein each goal is made of a plastic or metal like supportmaterial. Said large hoop target will extend upward above the twosmaller hoop targets and will be oriented in a common plane ornon-common plane, where said large hoop target will be positioned in acommon plane as the two smaller hoop targets or will extend upward andbehind the two smaller hoop targets (2 smaller hoop targets in a planewhich is forward of the larger hoop target) and allows for increasedpotential for scoring in the large target as a thrown ball may bedeflected off the forward positioned smaller targets and into the largetarget. Said hoop targets are fitted with a “see-through” nylon like (orsimilar) netting material. Said “see through” netting will allow theopposing player to visually see a thrown projectile from behind the goalas it flies past or into the goal, which will allow the opposing playerto make adjustments in positioning to catch a thrown ball which missesthe targets or which deflects off the goal apparatus. Said hoop targetshave a frame composed of aluminum (or plastic) material which providesrigidity to the hoop targets and allows the “see-through” netting to beattached. said large hoop target on each goal may be fitted with a smallflexible elastic opening at the back end of the netting (“quick ballrelease”) which is sized just slightly smaller than the ball which willcontain the ball temporarily, but which when pressured will allow theball to drop through the netting and be retrieved without having toreach into the target. Said goal contains a standard which may beinserted into a metal or plastic base with “fill opening”. Said base,may be manually filled with water or sand (or other material), whichwill support the goal and allow the goal to stand upright on any hard orsoft surface (grass, sand, turf, cement, asphalt etc.)
 5. A method ofplay for a projectile throw and target game, including the steps of:choosing two teams wherein each team consists of two players (if notplaying one on one); placing two goals consisting of 3 hoops/targets ofdifferent sizes at a given distance from each other, so thehoops/targets are in facing arrangement; choosing a starting team and anon-starting team be a coin flip; standing a starting player of saidstarting team behind said first of said two goals; standing anonstarting player of said starting team behind a second of said twogoals; standing the starting player of said nonstarting team behindfirst goal; standing a nonstarting player of said nonstarting teambehind said second goal; hurling the projectile by said starting playerof said starting team at said second goal; hurling of said projectile byeach player in turn at whichever goal is furthest from a current player;determining a score for each said throw of projectile by awarding pointswhen said projectile goes into one of the three hoop targets of saidgoal furthest from the player hurling the projectile or deflects off anypart of the said goal furthest from the player hurling the projectileand is caught by opposing player closest to said goal while in the airand prior to it coming in contact with the surface being played upon. 6.The method of play for the projectile throw and target game according toclaim 5, said step of determining a score further including the stepsof: determining whether said projectile enters a large hoop target orsmall hoop target in said goal which is furthest from said currentplayer; scoring 1 point by a team which said current player is on ifsaid projectile enters said large hoop target; scoring 2 points by ateam which said current player is on if said projectile enters either ofsaid small hoop target; determining whether said projectile being hurledby said player furthest from said goal is deflected off any part of saidgoal and caught by said opposing players closest to said goal prior tothe projectile hitting the ground; determination of scoring 1 point byteam or player catching a deflected projectile or subtracting 1 pointfrom team or player that hurled the deflected projectile; and scoring nopoints by said starting player of said starting team if said projectileis not thrown into any of said large hoop target or small hoop targetsand if said projectile is not deflected off said goal and is caught bysaid opposing nonstarting player prior to said projectile hits saidground.
 7. The method of play for the projectile throw and target gametossing according to claim 5, said step of determining said winner ofsaid throw and target game further including the steps of: determiningif either of said two teams has scored more than eleven points;determining if both teams have had an equal number of turns if one ofsaid two teams has scored more than eleven points; hurling of saidprojectile by said starting player of a team which has had a lessernumber of turns if said two teams have not had an equal number of turnsand if one of said two teams has scored more than eleven points;determining if both teams have scored more than eleven points if atleast one of said two teams have scored more than eleven points and ifboth teams have had an equal number of turns; determining a winner byplaying even overtime rounds until one team has a 2 point higher scorethan another team if both teams have scored more than eleven points;scoring said hurling of said projectile by said starting player of ateam which has had a lesser number of turns if said two teams have nothad an equal number of turns and if one of said two teams has scoredmore than eleven points; determining if one of said two teams has scoredmore than eleven points if neither of said two teams has scored exactlyeleven points; scoring said hurled said projectile whenever saidprojectile is hurled by any player; and declaring that a team with ascore of more than eleven points is a winner of said projectile throwand target game if both teams have had an equal number of turns and ifanother team does not have a score of eleven points.
 8. A method ofplaying a projectile throw and target game on a supporting surface forteams of at least two players comprising the steps of: placing a firstgoal on top of a supporting surface a predetermined distance from asecond goal so the hoop targets are in a facing relationship and thegoals are located substantially entirely above the supporting surface;standing both players on first team behind the first goal; standing bothplayers of the second team behind the second goal.; hurling a projectileusing a racket by the first player of the first team toward the secondgoal; awarding 1 point when the projectile enters large hoop target onthe second goal; awarding 2 points when the projectile enters either ofthe smaller hoop targets; awarding 1 point to the team or playercatching a deflected projectile while in the air and without theprojectile contacting the supporting surface or subtracting 1 point froma team or player that hurled the deflected projectile; determining apoint total for the first player of the first team; hurling a projectileusing a racket by the first player of the second team toward the firstcontainer; awarding 1 point when the projectile enters large hoop targeton the second goal; awarding 2 points when the projectile enters eitherof the smaller hoop targets; awarding 1 point to the team or playercatching a deflected projectile while in the air and without theprojectile contacting the supporting surface or subtracting 1 point froma team or player that hurled the deflected projectile; determining apoint total for the first player of the second team; standing a secondplayer of a first team behind the first container; hurling a projectileusing a racket by the second player of the first team toward the secondgoal; awarding 1 point when the projectile enters large hoop target onthe second goal; awarding 2 points when the projectile enters either ofthe smaller hoop targets; awarding 1 point to the team or playercatching a deflected projectile while in the air and without theprojectile contacting the supporting surface or subtracting 1 point froma team or player that hurled the deflected projectile; determining apoint total for the second player of the first team; hurling aprojectile using a racket by the second player of the second team towardthe first container; awarding 1 point when the projectile enters largehoop target on the second goal; awarding 2 points when the projectileenters either of the smaller hoop targets; awarding 1 point to the teamor player catching a deflected projectile while in the air